Adoption of agroforestry technologies and land conservation Strategies in the highlands of South Western Uganda; a case study of Kabale District
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Date
2012-09
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Kampala International University, School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the ~role of Agroforestry Practices in High Land Conservation from peoples activities in Muko and Rubanda villages. The objectives ofthe study were meant to indicate causes of soil erosion and to find out the consequences of soil erosion. They also included the need to establish how trees have been used to control the problems arising from the consequences of soil erosion. The research employed several methods of obtaining data such as observations, questionnaires, oral interviews, conducted and literature reviews. Findings of what activities cause erosion in Muko Sub County. From the findings it was revealed that people’s activities causing erosion can be improved by using practices like intercropping, mulching, contour ploughing and terracing, a forestation, re-a forestation plus zero grazing. It was also found out that consequences of soil Land digridation such as poor water quality, poor air quality, habitat loss, poverty, conflict and migration can be reduced by using agroforestry technologies to ensure maximum utilization of the land and at the same time prevent degradative Land effects that result Trees species such as sesbania Sesban, Leucaene Leucocephalla, Aibizia Albid Ficusses Azadirachta indica, Glerucidia, Cajanus Cajan, Tephrosia and Desmodium are growth for maintaining the soil fertility. The study also revealed some hindrances to the use of agroforestry practices. These included revelations that seeds and seedlings are expensive and not easy to obtain. The land tenure system in the study area is also an obstacle. Most of the land is communal and landownership is not clear. People’s cultures also hinder tree planting, where people believe that trees are God given and God will continue providing trees for them. Sometimes pests and diseases affect the trees leading to loss ofvegetation cover. Extension workers are few and ofien not well trained. The study suggested the following recommendations:-, Land tenure systems must be clear such that private ownership is encouraged. Seeds and seedlings should be cheap and availed to the people at all times when needed to encourage development of private wood lots. Extension workers should be adequately trained. There should also be intensive creation of awareness about how their own activities are causing soil erosion, resultant consequences and ways of curbing it by use of agro forestry technologies, and preferred species, and any other relevant methods.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Award of the Degree of Bachelor of Environmental Management of Kampala International University
Keywords
Agroforestry technologies, land conservation, Kabale District